Pasco-Hernando State College softball player remembered by team

DADE CITY (FOX 13) - Brooke "Gonzo" Gonzalez, a 19-year-old sophomore on the Pasco-Hernando State College softball team, was killed Monday night while coming back from a jog.

Florida Highway Patrol said an out-of-control car jumped the curb and hit her on the sidewalk on SR 52. Charges against the driver are pending, but her team sees no end in sight to its shock over her death.

"It's tough. We're in the grieving process. It's all been a shock," said head coach Tom Ryan.

Her teammates set up a memorial for her, near first base, where she was a starter. They also spelled out her nickname in the outfield.

"Just loved by, not just the softball team, not just student athletes, but everyone on campus," said Ryan.

She was the heart and soul of the team.

"When I think of Brooke, I think [of] her dancing in batting warm-ups. She'd take her bat and just dance," said teammate Rachel Gardner.

She was also family.

"She was one of the few people that would carry the team no matter how low we were. She'd pick us up," said teammate Jami Aguayo.

Next week, the team has a tournament in North Carolina. They know Brooke will be looking on.

"She's going to make sure all of us hit dingers and do what we need to do to win," said Gardner.

Her jersey will be right there in the dugout.

"I'm hoping there are angles in the outfield, if you know what I mean," the head coach said.